By Jennifer P. Rendon
Just like in previous years, the Police Regional Office (PRO)-6 in Western Visayas will not seal the muzzle of guns issued to cops to discourage them from indiscriminate gun-firing on New Year’s Eve.
Lieutenant Colonel Arnel Solis, PRO-6 spokesperson, said the PNP hierarchy does not see the need to seal their guns believing that cops should know better than to fire their firearms to celebrate the New Year.
“We are confident that we have more disciplined and responsible police personnel here. The PNP organization is firm on dealing with its personnel who commit infractions like indiscriminate firing,” Solis said.
Since 2016, PRO-6 has done away with the gun muzzle sealing on Christmas and New Year celebrations.
Instead, the police have been going hard against incidents of stray bullets.
Solis said those who would be found illegally discharging their firearms will face corresponding criminal and administrative charges.
But aside from internal moves, PRO-6 has also been appealing to members of other law enforcement agencies and private individuals against indiscriminate firing of guns as a form of New Year revelry.
“Our goal is for a zero indiscriminate firing incident,” Solis said.
Meanwhile, PRO-6 will deploy more than 1,500 police personnel all over the region to ensure a peaceful New Year celebration.
They will be stationed in churches, markets, terminals and in other strategic areas in the region.
The deployment will be based on the latest assessment of unit commanders with adjustments based on their recent experiences on their security coverage during Christmas Eve. Respective crime analysis will also be an added consideration.
Force multipliers will be tapped to assist in traffic direction and help in watching over their respective areas.
“Again, we remind the public to be vigilant at all times. When leaving their homes to attend the masses or to do market errands, they must ensure that their homes are properly locked, appliances are unplugged, no lighted candles are left unattended and to strictly observe minimum public health protocols,” he said.
Solis also advised the public to be watchful while traveling.
When in crowded places, they must be on the lookout, as not to give opportunity for criminal elements.
“They should be mindful of their valuable items like wallets, cellular phones and jewelry while in malls, restaurants and in similar populated establishments as criminals are always on the lookout for the opportunity,” he said.
Meanwhile, Brigadier General Flynn Dongbo, Western Visayas police chief, has advised the public to secure the hotline numbers of the local Police, Bureau of Fire Protection, nearest hospitals and rescue units so that assistance can be immediately communicated when needed.
“Let us welcome the New Year peacefully and with high hopes that it will usher us all to new dimensions of progress and harmony. We can achieve this with everyone’s cooperation,” Dongbo said.
